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What’s up my Eaters! I hope your holiday weekends went off without a hitch and that family, friends, and fellowship were abundant. For those of you who took the rest-and-relaxation route, I pray your peace was uninterrupted and exactly what you needed.
This week, I want to tell you why eating and supporting local is so vitally important—both for your taste buds and your community.
Recently, I’ve been craving some curried goat—my favorite Jamaican dish. It’s the one that brings back the most memories, especially of family. While thinking about this week’s article, I was reminded of my first trip to a farm. I must’ve been around six or seven years old. My parents wanted to stock up on meat for the freezer, so they packed us into the car and we hit the road.
As we drove past grocery store after grocery store, I grew increasingly confused. Eventually, we turned down a long, dusty driveway and pulled up beside a pen. I don’t remember all the details, but I do remember three things.
First, I remember being slightly traumatized by the selection and slaughter of the goat and chickens. Second, the animals were loud—now I know it was the sound of fear and unrest. And third, I remember loudly declaring to my parents that I was not going to eat any of that meat. I could still hear the goat’s cry in my head.
Of course, that childish stand didn’t last long. The very next night, when that first pot of curried goat hit the table, I was eating it—and loving every bite. It was the best curry I had ever tasted. I couldn’t wait to try the fresh chicken and pork we’d brought home.
Looking back, I realize that experience profoundly shaped my food philosophy. I didn’t know it at the time, but that one moment helped turn me into the chef I am today—and made me a fierce advocate for eating local.
So, let me break it down for you. Here are seven powerful reasons to support your local farmers, butchers, and makers:
Why Eating Local Matters
1. It Tastes Better
At the very least, it’s fresher. That goat we ate was butchered and on our plates in under 24 hours. That kind of freshness can’t be beat.
2. You Can Trace It
When you buy directly from the farmer, you know exactly when your food was processed—and exactly how long it’s been in your freezer.
3. You Appreciate It More
Knowing who raised your food, where it lived, and how it was cared for adds a layer of gratitude and respect to every bite. That childhood experience—trauma and all—taught me to honor my food.
4. Unique Access
Local sourcing gives you access to meats, produce, and handmade products you won’t find in every grocery store. Living in the South, we’re spoiled with things the rest of the country would love to get their hands on.
5. It Builds Community
When you buy local, you’re putting money right back into your neighborhood. You’re helping your neighbors thrive. And over time, those small interactions at the market can turn into meaningful relationships.
6. It’s Healthier
Fewer middlemen mean fewer preservatives, less handling, and reduced risk of contamination. The closer your food is to the source, the cleaner it usually is.
7. Better Bang for Your Buck
Cutting out transportation, packaging, and warehousing costs often means savings for you—and more value per dollar.
If eating local feels unfamiliar or intimidating, trust me—it doesn’t have to be. Especially here in Fayette and the surrounding counties, the number of farmers markets and local producers is impressive. I’m not saying you have to eat this way all the time, but start somewhere. With the abundance of fresh produce and meat available this time of year, it’s almost criminal not to.
If you’ve got questions or need help getting started, reach out. Leave a comment or come find me and my team every Saturday at the Peachtree City Farmers Market. We’d love to help you make the leap into eating local.
Until next time, Eaters—eat well, eat local, and eat with gratitude.
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